Crest gate

Abstract

A crest gate for a dam spillway has a plurality of pivotably mounted panels provided end-to-end across the spillway structure and each hinge joint is a flexible neoprene strip. Strips are also provided between adjacent panels for sealing the spaces between panels. These panels are raised by inflatable elongated tubular bladders secured to the spillway by a harness. The hinge strip and harness are secured in place by common clamping means.

We claim: 
     
       1. A crest plate for a dam spillway comprising a horizontally extending member adapted to be secured to the spillway, a least on rectangular panel, means pivotably supporting said panel for movement between angularly spaced positions on an axis adjacent said horizontally extending member, said axis located adjacent one marginal edge of said panel and said panel having an opposite marginal free edge movable vertically between a down and an up position, elongated inflatable bladder means of generally cylindrical cross section when inflated, harness means for supporting and protecting said elongated bladder means in relationship to said panel; and means for inflating said bladder to engage and to move said panel and thereby raise said marginal free edge thereof, said means pivotably supporting said panel comprising an elongated strip of elastomeric material having one marginal edge portion secured to said horizontally extending member and having an opposite marginal edge portion secured to said panel adjacent said one panel marginal edge. 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bladder means has an inflated diameter D, and wherein said panel has a lateral dimension between said one and said opposite marginal edge of at least twice D, said dimensional relationship providing protection for said bladder means particularly when deflated and when said panel free edge is down. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bladder means has an inflated diameter D, and wherein said panel has a lateral dimension between said one and said opposite marginal edge of approximately three times D, said panel opposite free edge when up providing said panel at an angle to the horizontal of at least approximately 45 degrees to protect said bladder from debris carried over said panel free edge. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elastomeric strip is secured to the panel on the same side of the panel as that engaged by said inflatable means, and an elongated clamp bar for securing said strip to said horizontally extending member, said clamp bar having an upturned lip along one marginal edge and said panel one marginal edge provided between said elastomeric strip in said lip. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said bladder means has an inflated diameter D, and wherein said panel has a lateral dimension between said one and said opposite marginal edge of at least twice D, said dimensional relationship providing protection for said bladder means particularly when deflated and when said panel free edge is down. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said bladder means has an inflated diameter D, and wherein said panel has a lateral dimension between said one and said opposite marginal edge of approximately three times D, said panel opposite free edge when up providing said panel at an angle to the horizontal of at least approximately 45 degrees to protect said bladder from debris carried over said panel free edge. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said harness means comprises a resilient rectangular sling having both marignal edges clamped by said clamping bar, said sling having an intermediate portion passed around said bladder means for so supporting said bladder means. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for inflating said bladder means comprises a manifold line oriented parallel said panel pivot axis and spaced below said sling, and lines connecting said manifold to said bladder means. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a plurality of panels are supported by said inflatable bladder means, each said panel having a water seal at one end to close the space between adjacent panels.